Manuka honey appears to be an effective antibacterial wound healing agent

against MRSA-colonized leg ulcers. - GreenMedInfo Summary

Abstract Title: Healing of an MRSA-colonized, hydroxyurea-induced leg ulcer with honey.

Abstract Source: J Dermatolog Treat. 2001 Mar;12(1):33-6. PMID: 12171686

Abstract Author(s): S Natarajan, D Williamson, J Grey, K G Harding, R A Cooper

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: With the everincreasing emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, in particular

methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in leg ulcers, a means of reducing the bacterial

bioburden of such ulcers, other than by the use of either topical or systemic antibiotics, is urgently required.

METHODS: We report the case of an immunosuppressed patient who developed a hydroxyurea-induced

leg ulcer with subclinical MRSA infection which was subsequently treated with topical application of manuka

honey, without cessation of hydroxyurea or cyclosporin. RESULTS: MRSA was eradicated from the ulcer

and rapid healing was successfully achieved. CONCLUSION: Honey is recognized to have antibacterial

properties, and can also promote effective wound healing. A traditional therapy, therefore, appears to have

enormous potential in solving new problems.